Germany plans to order 15 additional F-35A aircraft, bringing its fleet to 50 aircraft. Challenges, budget and European benefits.
Summary
Berlin has decided to order 15 additional F-35A aircraft from Lockheed Martin, bringing its fleet target to 50 aircraft, after an initial order of 35. This acquisition, estimated at around €2.5 billion, aims to strengthen the Luftwaffe by replacing the old Panavia Tornado aircraft and maintaining NATO’s nuclear deterrent capability on German soil. At the European level, this decision highlights the relationship between continental strategic autonomy and technological dependence on the United States. The increased budget reflects Germany’s desire to build up its air power in a turbulent security environment. However, this development also alters the industrial balance, particularly within the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.
Details
According to German parliamentary sources and confidential documents from the Ministry of Defence, the order for 15 F-35As is contained in a file entitled ‘Beschaffungsergänzung F-35A Flugzeuge’ intended for the Bundestag’s budget committee. The estimated cost is around €2.5 billion. (≈ $2.9 billion)
Until now, Germany had approved the purchase of 35 F-35As in 2022 to replace its fleet of 85 Tornados. If the order goes ahead, the total number of aircraft would rise to 50. The German Ministry of Defence has not yet made an official announcement at the time of writing.
Replacement of the existing fleet
The Luftwaffe currently has Tornado (IDS and ECR) aircraft for strike, reconnaissance and NATO nuclear deterrence missions. These aircraft, dating from the 1980s, are reaching the end of their service life. The F-35A is designated to replace them, including for nuclear missions (transporting American B61-12 bombs stored in Germany).
By integrating 50 stealth, multi-role aircraft, Germany will obtain a modern air force capable of operating in contested spaces, with fifth-generation sensors, increased stealth and enhanced interoperability with its NATO allies.
Reasons for the purchase
Several factors motivated this decision:
- The strategic context has become more challenging: the war in Ukraine, the rise of Russian air threats, and the need for Germany to uphold its ‘Zeitenwende’.
- NATO is asking allies to increase spending and capabilities. Berlin believes that the initial order of 35 aircraft may no longer be sufficient to respond to high-intensity scenarios.
- The gradual withdrawal of the Tornado requires a replacement that is quickly available. The F-35A is operational and proven.
- Delays in the FCAS programme are pushing Germany to secure a short/medium-term solution. The additional order for F-35s marks a pragmatic priority for the long term.
- The German budget has recently been increased, allowing for this expenditure. The budgetary effort demonstrates the desire to modernise the air force.
Consequences for Germany and Europe
For Germany
With 50 F-35As, the Luftwaffe will benefit from a standardised fleet, reducing operating costs compared to the current heterogeneity. It will gain in terms of fighter, strike and reconnaissance capabilities. The nuclear mission remains assured. The American choice stabilises interoperability with allies but somewhat reduces technological autonomy.
For Europe
This purchase reinforces American dominance in European air equipment. It may slow down the ambition of a European industry to free itself from external suppliers. The Franco-German FCAS project is weakened by this pragmatic choice. Germany is showing that it will not wait for a 2030-2035 demonstrator to take action. Finally, the rebalancing of European air capabilities continues: other nations are purchasing or considering the F-35, stimulating interoperability but also dependence.
Budget and schedule
The stated budget of approximately €2.5 billion covers the acquisition of 15 aircraft but not necessarily ammunition, logistical support or associated infrastructure. The previous contract for 35 aircraft was already worth nearly €10 billion according to some sources. The schedule calls for deliveries to begin in 2027 for the first aircraft on German soil, with the initial training phases possibly taking place in the United States. The main deployment location is the Büchel air base, where the B61 bombs are stationed.
Germany will have to provide the appropriate infrastructure, pilot training, systems integration and maintenance over several decades. These hidden costs have yet to be detailed.
Industrial and strategic impact
The choice of the F-35A implies participation in the American production chain. A factory manufacturing fuselage parts has been launched in Germany (Weeze site) to assemble F-35 components, creating jobs and added value. ([Wikipedia][6]) In addition, the arrival of 50 aircraft may influence industrial partnerships in Europe, particularly in terms of maintenance, spare parts and logistics.
Strategically, Germany is equipping itself with an aircraft capable of penetration, high-value attack, electronic warfare and data sharing with its allies. It is asserting its role as a pillar of European defence in a context of heightened uncertainty. In doing so, it is adopting a position of both Atlantic rapprochement and rapid modernisation.
Challenges ahead
The introduction of 50 F-35As is not without its challenges. Pilot training, aircraft availability, maintenance and operating costs are high. The logistics of sharing data and nuclear or conventional munitions must be ensured. The maintenance of independent European engagement via FCAS remains unclear. Finally, the German parliament still has to ratify the final plan, and dependence on American technology raises questions about long-term sovereignty.
A step forward, but not the end goal
This order for 15 additional F-35As marks a turning point. Germany is taking a technological and budgetary leap forward for its air force. However, this potential still needs to be transformed into real operational capability. The balance between immediacy, European autonomy and Atlantic interoperability remains delicate. At a time when the threat is no longer confined to the eastern border but is global and structural, Berlin is banking on deterrence and flexibility. It remains to be seen how this decision will fit into a rapidly changing European defence architecture.
Live a unique fighter jet experience